AKRON RAMS

Thursday

Aug 28, 2008 at 12:01 AM

By Dan SellersSpecial to The Tuscaloosa News

AKRON | Wins for the Akron football program have been few and far between in recent years. In fact, the Rams have averaged just one win per year over the last four years, going winless in 2004 in 2005.

But new head coach Dredrick Bell thinks the squad he inherited from Bobby Parker Jr. is ready to change that.'I think the kids are really buying in,' Bell said. 'They haven't had the chance to experience much success in the past, but they're ready to win, I think.'After being shut out in the win column for two years, the Rams have won two games each of the last two seasons. Akron has a solid blend of size and speed, and Bell can already see the Rams playing in November.'There's a lot of good talent here,' he said. 'We're young, but they're learning quick. We're very physical and have a lot of team speed. I think we have a chance to go deep in the playoffs.'Along the offensive front, a trio of returning players leads the Rams. Sophomores and cousins Victor (6-0, 220) and Anderson Harris (6-0, 285) will be pivotal for Akron's offensive success. Also, junior Tracy Thomas (5-11, 260) provides running room. Corey McCruter will likely to start at a guard position.Bell said he expects several playmakers to emerge and complement Williams. One of those is running back and wide receiver Lionel Weaver. The small, shifty senior has all the tools to wreak havoc on opposing defenses.'He's got great speed and change of direction,' Bell said. 'He has a small frame, but that doesn't affect the way he plays. He works hard, too. He's not one of those guys that is just going to throw his hands up and quit when something isn't going his way.'Joining Weaver in the backfield will be 6-2, 220-pound bull LaCourtney McCruter.Adarious Means is another target for Williams. Bell said Means ran a legitimate 4.4 40-yard dash and gets faster the farther he goes.On the defensive side of the ball, end Vincent Terry is one to watch for Akron. The 6-2, 245-pound junior is raw, but Bell says he has a ton of upside. Cory McCruter will also play at defensive end.At safety, cousins Irish and Edward Hunter will roam together. Two more key cogs in the Akron defense will be defensive back Xavier Rice and linebacker Jason Williams. 'We're going to try and play a lot of our younger guys,' Bell said. 'We're still going to be forced to play a lot of guys both ways, but they've been working hard to get in condition to do that.'

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